Official Toyota Oil Recommendation Chart
#16
Chris, there is no advantage of doing this. The first number in the weight is the viscosity when cold while the second number of the weight is at operating temperature. The higher the numbers the heavier/thicker they are. The lower the numbers the easier it flows and the thinner it is.
I would not run a heavier weight than required in your vehicle(s). A 10W40 would make your engine work harder to overcome the viscosity of the oil. Also, in very cold temps the oil would not flow as quick at startup. As this is where most engine damage occurs this is not very wise.
The best weight to run on these extended trips is exactly the same that you would run in your normal day-to-day driving. As you do not say which RX you have that is more than likely either 5W30 or 5W20. In my 2004 RX330 if I lived in Canada I might run 0W30, such as Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy, to get the oil flowing as fast as possible in my engine on very cold days. As I am in FL there is little need as 5W oil flows fast enough for my needs.
I would not run a heavier weight than required in your vehicle(s). A 10W40 would make your engine work harder to overcome the viscosity of the oil. Also, in very cold temps the oil would not flow as quick at startup. As this is where most engine damage occurs this is not very wise.
The best weight to run on these extended trips is exactly the same that you would run in your normal day-to-day driving. As you do not say which RX you have that is more than likely either 5W30 or 5W20. In my 2004 RX330 if I lived in Canada I might run 0W30, such as Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy, to get the oil flowing as fast as possible in my engine on very cold days. As I am in FL there is little need as 5W oil flows fast enough for my needs.
#17
With the new formulation of 0 series oils, thinner oil (fast flow) but does the same protection or better with friction, that's progress.
#18
OK..instead of adding on to the 0w20 post in this forum, I've started a new topic and hopefully the mods can sticky this somewhere.
This chart was sent back to me via email from Toyota Canada, after I sent them an email asking which Toyota Vehicles could run 0W20.
It's not Lexus specific (though I just sent an email to Lexus hoping for a Lexus list), but if you didn't already know, your Lexus has a Toyota engine in it. Just find a Toyota vehicle with the same model engine as your Lexus. (i.e. Rx330 uses 3MZ-FE - compare it with Highlander which also used 3MZ-FE - depending on year)
This chart was sent back to me via email from Toyota Canada, after I sent them an email asking which Toyota Vehicles could run 0W20.
It's not Lexus specific (though I just sent an email to Lexus hoping for a Lexus list), but if you didn't already know, your Lexus has a Toyota engine in it. Just find a Toyota vehicle with the same model engine as your Lexus. (i.e. Rx330 uses 3MZ-FE - compare it with Highlander which also used 3MZ-FE - depending on year)
Koz
#19
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
#20
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
It doesn't matter how cold it is, the 0w will flow faster in ALL conditions, which is exactly what you want when first starting your engine.
#21
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
I thought I already posted a new Lexus specific chart on here, but can't find it. Going to put it up in the Maintenance section and ask Mods to sticky it. It has some Lexus specific engines that the Toyota chart doesn't have.
Never mind..found it here under a general all about oil etc. sticky..
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/mai...perthread.html
Never mind..found it here under a general all about oil etc. sticky..
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/mai...perthread.html
#22
I did not dispute that fact. Was just stating that for my RX330 needs in FL 5W flows plenty fast enough. Though, as I did state, if I lived in Canada or other similar cold climate location I would definitely run 0W and especially in the winter months.
#24
Lexus Champion
From the information I get over on bitog, it seems the 5W-20 oil is superior to the 5W-30. Meaning it doesnt need the viscosity improvers etc. to make it shear stable. I suppose its a more natural grade. I made the switch in mine,and couldnt be happier. And judging from a uoa on a 2003 Toyota Sienna with the 1MZ-FE motor from bitog. This is the reason I made the switch;
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...83#Post2545583
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...83#Post2545583
Last edited by lexus114; 03-07-12 at 08:27 AM.
#26
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
#28
Lexus Champion
Well my friend, I knew you would read it either here or over on bitog. I do apologize though for I should have pm`d you.
Last edited by lexus114; 03-08-12 at 06:48 AM.
#29
Lexus Champion
#30
Lexus Test Driver
I just posted a thread on BITOG, asking if I should run a 5W-20. Let's see what responses I get.
Last edited by hypervish; 03-08-12 at 11:47 AM.